Joe Andreessen Draft Networking Interview: 'I Love Stopping The Run' (Interviews)
Interviews

Joe Andreessen Draft Networking Interview: 'I Love Stopping The Run'

Photo courtesy Buffalo Athletics
author image

Buffalo linebacker Joe Andreessen was a standout performer for the Bulls this past season. Andreessen, who transferred to the program from Bryant, totaled 90 tackles, 12 for a loss this past season. Andreessen then enjoyed a standout performance at the College Gridiron Showcase.

Andreessen recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about transferring to Buffalo, his season-long performance, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.

JM: How do you reflect on your decision to transfer from Bryant to Buffalo?

Joe Andreessen: I obviously enjoyed my time at Bryant. I’m super thankful for everything the program did for me. It was a difficult decision to enter the transfer portal. I thought about just declaring after my fifth year at that moment.

I got great advice from my agent to play at a higher level. I wanted to play FBS football, so that’s ultimately what I did. I had a difficult experience at Buffalo compared to my years at Bryant. I had to learn a new culture and a new system. 

It was totally different from Bryant. I’m ultimately happy that I did it. I grew a lot at Buffalo. I came into August camp after the Spring as the starting linebacker. By the end of the year, I was a captain. I had to rebuild from the ground up. I came out stronger on the other side.

JM: You were a workhorse, recording 90 tackles, 12 for a loss, this past season. Do you feel like you proved you could hang with better competition after your sole season at Buffalo?

Joe Andreessen: I honestly didn’t think it was a very big jump in competition. Once I learned the defense at Buffalo, things went back to normal for me. The game slowed down for me. I play with great instincts. I have a knack for being around the ball. 

Once you grasp the concepts on defense, and you learn how the offense is going to attack your defense, that’s when the game starts slowing down for you. I think I was able to showcase that by the end of my lone season at Buffalo.

JM: What's your favorite aspect of playing the linebacker position?

Joe Andreessen: I love stopping the run. That’s the best part of playing linebacker. That’s what you’re taught from a young age. It’s always been my bread and butter. You play the position to stop the run first and foremost.

I obviously know the game has transitioned away from that a little bit. Everybody wants to throw the football and field an explosive offense. The athletic linebacker, the coverage linebacker, that’s what everyone is looking for.

You still need to stop the run. Offenses will still take advantage of you if you can’t. Those athletic linebackers aren’t always a great fit for downhill football. Being able to stuff the run still needs to take priority for linebackers.

JM: It sure is. Have you met with any NFL teams throughout the process?

Joe Andreessen: I’ve had a bunch of Zoom and in-person interviews. I’ve filled out some surveys. I had about nine interviews at the College Gridiron Showcase. The Jaguars, Eagles, Steelers, 49ers, and Bills showed some good interest there. The Bills have been in constant contact. I also spoke with them after my Pro Day. I’ll be at their local thing as well.

JM: That’s awesome. We've appreciated your time today. Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Joe Andreessen?

Joe Andreessen: You’re going to get a great person and a great teammate. You can ask my teammates and coaches—even the ones that were around me for one season at Buffalo. Or if you ask people at Bryant about me, I’m held in fairly high regard.

That’s what I focus on first and foremost, being a good person and a good teammate. I also want to be the best football player I can be. I’m an extremely hard worker. I’ll do what it takes to help the team win.



Loading...
Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2025 The Draft Network